tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3277310055963332196.post-73468218261788241502018-01-18T19:35:00.000-07:002018-01-18T19:35:24.724-07:00RUMOR: Toronto interested in Devils defenseman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUteXK7MB2c/WmFPaLht9BI/AAAAAAAABlI/bp5nQrfvJicuPgOqiAcfhdsamrv6BINBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Damon%252BSeverson%252Biwem4irke_Km.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="360" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AUteXK7MB2c/WmFPaLht9BI/AAAAAAAABlI/bp5nQrfvJicuPgOqiAcfhdsamrv6BINBQCLcBGAs/s400/Damon%252BSeverson%252Biwem4irke_Km.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The Toronto Maple Leafs have been looking on multiple teams for a defenseman this season. While we don't know if they can obtain one, the main name that has been floating around has been Erik Gudbranson of the Vancouver Canucks.<br /><a name='more'></a><br />Reports at the beginning of the month have stated that Toronto general manager Lou Lamoriello has offered Andrew Nielsen and a draft pick to acquire Erik Gudbranson to guard the blue line. However, no trade has been made as Vancouver GM Jim Benning either declined or still overlooking the possibility for the trade.<br /><br />If the Maple Leafs can't acquire Gudbranson's services before the NHL Trade Deadline, they could have another option, it being Devils' Damon Severson. According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, there's a good possibility that he becomes available before the deadline coming this February and that if the report is true, the Maple Leafs won't hesitate to acquire him.<br /><br />Back in 2012, Lamoriello, then GM for the New Jersey Devils, drafted Severson in the second round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Lamoriello reportedly still holds his former player in high regards.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">In terms of impact, Severson should be able to play in a team's top four and he's a right shot, which is what the Leafs desperately, Mirtle states in his article. The only issue as I see it is he probably tops out as closer to a four than anything higher. He has also had some defensive issues at times and tends to make more of an impact on the power play and offensively, where Toronto really isn't lacking. Is he an upgrade over a Carrick or Polak? Absolutely. Can he push Hainsey or Zaitsev down the lineup right away? Maybe.</blockquote>Severson has 5 more years in his contract with a $4.17 million cap hit. It isn't a cheap nor an expensive contract. The issue comes from how his acquirement would affect the Leaf's lineup.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">But if you bring in a Severson, and his salary, will you have room to further add a top pairing D down the line? What exactly is the plan with this blueline group? And does it leave room for Dermott and Liljegren down the road?, Mirtle explains.</blockquote>The 6'2, 205 pound defenseman has 81 points to his career in 242 games. Basically, a point every 3 games. As he once was Lou Lamoriello's draft choice, is he really the perfect guy for the Toronto Maple Leafs?Ryan Beliveauhttps://plus.google.com/102926078518262412621noreply@blogger.com